Report: Liverpool progressing with moves for Ligue 1 stars

Report: Liverpool progressing with moves for Ligue 1 stars Liverpool Transfers in Focus as Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye Talks Gather Pace There is always a stage in the summer when multiple strands of the market begin to converge, and this feels like one of those moments for Liverpool. According to RMC SPORT, the club are active on two fronts with Paris Saint-Germain, while several other significant Ligue 1 situations continue to develop in parallel. What stands out is the sense of acceleration. Liverpool are not being portrayed as passive observers here. They are being framed as a club pushing with intent, particularly in their efforts to land Ibrahim Mbaye and Bradley Barcola. In a market where timing, leverage and player preference often decide outcomes as much as money, that matters. Bradley Barcola talks remain live Barcola is arguably the headline name in this wider update. Liverpool are said to be continuing discussions with PSG over the France international attacker, with a fresh bid expected this week. The report indicates there remains a gap between the clubs on valuation, which is hardly unusual in a deal of this profile, especially involving one of Europe’s elite clubs and a player still seen as a major asset. There are, however, small indicators that naturally draw attention. Barcola was absent from the matchday squad for the Trophée des champions defeat at Lens, a detail that will inevitably invite interpretation. That alone does not confirm an exit, but at this point in a window it becomes part of the broader picture, especially when a Premier League club is actively trying to strike an agreement. From Liverpool’s perspective, the attraction is obvious. Barcola offers pace, directness and high-level attacking upside. He is the sort of player who can stretch games and operate across the forward line, which gives a head coach tactical flexibility. That profile carries a premium, and PSG know it. Ibrahim Mbaye agreement boosts Liverpool hopes The Mbaye situation appears more advanced on the player side. RMC SPORT reports that Liverpool have reached an agreement in recent hours with the 18-year-old over a five-year contract. The next step is club-to-club negotiation with PSG, with Liverpool now expected to intensify efforts to complete the transfer this summer. This is a significant development because personal terms often provide the platform from which the rest of a negotiation can move. It does not guarantee completion, and PSG are not a straightforward counterpart in the market, but it places Liverpool in a strong position if they decide to press ahead aggressively. Mbaye is described as a target Bayern Leverkusen are now unlikely to keep pursuing. That narrows one element of the competitive landscape and could help Liverpool focus on reaching a fee. For a player of 18 with international recognition for Senegal, this is the type of deal elite clubs increasingly try to secure before the price rises even further. Viewed together, the Mbaye and Barcola pursuits suggest Liverpool are exploring both immediate attacking quality and future-facing potential. Clubs at the top end of the Premier League often try to balance those twin objectives in the same window, and this looks like that kind of strategy. Ligue 1 market presents wider opportunities Beyond Liverpool, the wider French market remains highly active. Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, fresh from an impressive 2026 World Cup, is attracting major interest and Manchester City are reported to be in advanced negotiations. The expectation is that City want to move quickly as they reshape their midfield after Rodri’s departure to Barcelona. Also at Lille, Matias Fernandez-Pardo appears to be in a far more strained situation. The Belgium international reportedly refused to come on against Everton in a 1-1 draw, and was then sent to train with the reserves. Atletico Madrid are among the clubs interested, while Lille president Olivier Létang is said to be firmly against a sale. Those kinds of standoffs can intensify quickly late in a window. At Marseille, Amine Gouiri’s future is described as uncertain, with club finances influencing decision-making despite Bruno Genesio wanting to keep him. Interest is said to exist from Como, Lazio and Villarreal. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is another case to monitor, with Newcastle United and AC Milan credited with interest, though no formal bid has yet been made. Lyon could yet bank a major fee for Malick Fofana, with Roma working on a deal and Lyon seeking around €40 million. Elsewhere, Nice are trying to bring Elye Wahi back from Eintracht Frankfurt, but the German club’s €25 million asking price is a hurdle, particularly with no appetite for a straight loan. Jean-Clair Todibo is another name in circulation, with Marseille exploring a move from West Ham and the defender reportedly willing to lower his salary to help matters. Youssouf Fofana, meanwhile, is seeking a route out of AC Milan after being frozen out, with Juventus and English clubs tracking his position. Why Liverpool’s moves could define the final weeks The most important takeaway for Liverpool is that both of their PSG-linked pursuits appear alive at a time when the market is becoming more fluid. That does not mean they will complete both deals, and there is still a material difference between interest, agreement and signature. Yet the pattern is clear, Liverpool are pushing. As windows move into their decisive phase, clubs often find that one negotiation affects another. Selling clubs soften, buyers sharpen their priorities, and players become more explicit about their preferences. If Liverpool are serious about Barcola and Mbaye, the next few days may be highly revealing. For now, the signal from France is strong enough to merit close attention. There is movement, there is intent, and there is every chance Liverpool remain central to one of the most important storylines of the closing summer market. Our View From a Liverpool supporter’s perspective, this is exactly the kind of report that gets the pulse racing. Barcola is a thrilling name to see associated with the club because he looks like a player who could light up Anfield. He has that electric quality in wide areas, the ability to beat a man, drive at defenders and change a game in seconds. If Liverpool are genuinely preparing another offer, then there is clearly serious conviction behind the pursuit. Mbaye feels exciting in a different way. A five-year agreement at 18 would suggest Liverpool see something huge in him. That sort of move always carries risk, but top clubs have to be bold when elite young talent becomes available. If PSG are willing to discuss a deal, Liverpool should be all over it. What makes this particularly intriguing is the idea of doing business on both deals. One would bring more immediate expectation, the other more long-term promise, and together they would signal ambition. Supporters always want to see a clear recruitment plan, and this sounds like one. There is still plenty to sort out, especially with PSG, but this report offers real encouragement. If Liverpool can land even one of these players, it would feel like a major statement. If they somehow pull off both, it could transform the mood around the squad very quickly. Source: RMC SPORT